Dental cleaning slurry

Abstract

A dental cleaning slurry and method of cleaning teeth comprising an aqueous suspension of particulate material having a hardness which is softer than the softest exposed part of the teeth. The slurry is directed against the teeth under sufficient water pressure for the particulate material to penetrate and dislodge any plaque or food particles that may adhere to the teeth.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A hygienic slurry for the cleaning of teeth comprising an aqueous solution having suspended therein inert particulate materials having a Knoop hardness of less than 68 which are softer than the outer surface of the teeth. 
     
     
       2. A hygienic slurry according to claim 1 wherein the volumetric ratio of particulate materials to aqueous solution is between about 1:1.5 and 1:10. 
     
     
       3. A hygienic slurry according to claim 2 wherein the diameter of the particulate materials is between about 0.002 and 0.020 inches. 
     
     
       4. A hygienic slurry according to claim 3 wherein the particulate materials are irregular in shape. 
     
     
       5. A hygienic slurry according to claim 3 wherein the volumetric ratio of particulate materials to aqueous solution is between about 1:4 and 1:6. 
     
     
       6. A hygienic slurry according to claim 5 wherein the volumetric ratio of particulate materials to aqueous solution is about 1:5. 
     
     
       7. A hygienic slurry according to claim 5 wherein the aqueous solution contains a breath sweetener. 
     
     
       8. A hygienic slurry according to claim 5 wherein the aqueous solution contains a disinfectant. 
     
     
       9. A hygienic slurry according to claim 5 wherein the aqueous solution contains a fluoridating agent. 
     
     
       10. A hygienic slurry according to claim 5 wherein the particulate material is a plastic. 
     
     
       11. A hygienic slurry according to claim 10 wherein the particulate plastic material is a polyethylene. 
     
     
       12. A hygienic slurry according to claim 10 wherein the particulate plastic material is a polypropylene. 
     
     
       13. A method for cleaning teeth which comprises applying to the surfaces of the teeth at a pressure of about 15 to 60 psi a stream of a slurry comprising an aqueous solution having suspended therein particulate materials having a Knoop hardness of less than 68, which particulate materials are softer than the surfaces of the teeth being cleaned, the ratio of particulate material to aqueous solution in the slurry being between about 1:1.5 and 1:10 and the size of the particulate material being between about 0.002 and 0.020 inches in diameter.